Reform UK Donations Investigated by Met Police

Met Police Investigate £500,000 Reform UK Donations

The Metropolitan Police are investigating two donations totalling £500,000 made to Reform UK by Britain Means Business, a company controlled by the party’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, according to BBC News.

The donations, each worth £250,000, were made in the run-up to the 2024 UK general election, when Tice was serving as Reform UK’s chairman.

Richard Tice has said the money originated from Fiona Cottrell, a significant donor to Reform UK. Earlier this month, The Times reported that two separate donations made directly by Cottrell in May 2024 were also under investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

The investigation concerns UK electoral law, which prohibits attempts to disguise the true source of political donations or provide false information about a donor’s identity or the amount contributed.

Responding to reports of the investigation, Tice said:

“This is the first I have heard of it – if true why are the Met Police briefing the BBC before contacting interested parties? Is the Met leadership now engaged in the widespread politically motivated smear campaign against Reform and its leaders?”

At this stage, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed an investigation is underway, but no criminal charges have been brought, and the inquiry remains ongoing